Scar Treatments in London for Self-Harm Scars, Surgical, Acne and more
At Borciani London, we specialise in advanced scar treatments for all skin types and tones with a focus on self harm scars.
We can help soften surgical scars, keloids, smooth acne scarring, reduce pigmentation and minimise self harm scars.
Our expert team combines the most advanced technologies and treatments for scars including CO2 laser, camouflage tattooing, cortisone therapy, microneedling and regenerative therapies.
Book a consultation or appointment at our Notting Hill clinic to discuss your personalised treatment plan
Scar Treatments London
At Borciani London, we are constantly researching the best scar treatments and technologies, as we understand the impact that scars can have.
Scars affect more than the skin they are on, often leaving people feeling extremely self-conscious, frequently covering the area with clothing, makeup or hair.
We have an extensive range of scar treatments from powerful CO2 ablative lasers, Cortisone therapy and effective pigmentation treatments. We are able to treat all skin types including Fitzpatrick V and VI and both new and old scars. During the consultation we will discuss the best options for you based on your scar and skin type.
Scars are often difficult to treat as they heal in unpredictable and different ways, some are light in colour and raised, some are darker and smooth, they will often require multiple sessions due to the skin texture and will take time to heal fully. The good news is that due to incredible new developments, we now have really effective ways of improving scar tissue.
Self-harm Scars
Self-harm scars are often seen as linear (straight line) marks across the arms, legs or torso. They may appear flat, raised, red, white or pigmented. For many people, these scars are not only a physical reminder but also carry added emotional weight, so finding a treatment and clinic that feels safe and effective can be an important step in recovery.
At Borciani London, we have over a decade of experience treating self-harm scars. We commonly use:
- CO₂ laser to soften raised or textured scars by ablating tissue and stimulating collagen.
- Scar camouflage tattooing to blend lighter scars into surrounding skin.
- Cortisone therapy to reduce very raised, keloid or fibrous scars.
Treatment plans are always personalised, and we ensure a non-judgemental, supportive environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns. While scars cannot usually be removed completely, they can be made significantly less visible, helping to restore confidence.
Pigmented Scars
Pigmented scars are those that heal darker than the surrounding skin. This hyperpigmentation is caused by trauma to the skin and may be temporary (lasting a few months) or persist for years. These scars are very common after acne, burns, surgery or trauma, and are particularly prevalent in darker skin tones.
At Borciani London, treatment focuses on reducing pigmented areas and evening out the skin. We commonly use:
- Chemical peels to lighten areas of hyperpigmentation.
- Laser treatments to reduce dark patches and melasma.
- Scar camouflage tattooing for pale or white scars to blend into the tissue.
We may also recommend a melanin inhibitor to accelerate healing and prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation. With the right plan, pigmented scars can usually be softened and blended more naturally with surrounding skin.
White Scars
White scars form when the layer of skin containing melanocytes (cells that produce pigment) has been damaged, resulting in a loss of melanin. If the injury is deep, the colour may never return naturally, leading to permanent pigment loss. These scars can be more visible when you are tanned or on darker skin tones.
At Borciani London, we typically use:
- Scar camouflage tattooing to implant custom-blended pigments that match the surrounding skin.
- Experimental treatments combining CO₂ laser with topical prostaglandin inhibitors to restore pigment.
Scar camouflage is long-lasting, usually several years before a refresh is needed, and is suitable for most skin tones.
Red Scars
Red scars are commonly seen in new scar tissue. They can result from the natural healing process or from blood vessels forming near the surface of the skin, giving the scar a red, purple or bluish appearance. They are often seen after surgery, trauma, burns or self-harm injuries and may persist for months or years.
At Borciani London, we treat red scars with:
- Vascular lasers (such as Quadrostar Pro) to reduce redness and visible vessels.
- CO₂ laser with topical anti-inflammatory treatments to calm redness in acne scars.
Our approach is always tailored to reduce inflammation, improve comfort and encourage scars to fade more naturally over time.
Raised Scars
Raised scars, also known as hypertrophic scars, develop when the skin produces excess collagen during healing. Unlike keloids, they do not extend beyond the original injury but can feel thick and fibrous. They are common after surgery, burns, cuts and self-harm injuries.
At Borciani London, raised scars are treated with:
- CO₂ laser to resurface the scar and stimulate collagen remodelling.
- Cortisone injections or strips to break down excess collagen and flatten the scar.
- Microneedling with regenerative serums to improve skin texture and elasticity.
Most patients see significant improvement in the height and visibility of raised scars after a series of combined treatments.
Acne Scars
Acne scars can appear as pitted, uneven areas of skin and are commonly classified as ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars. They may also include lingering redness or pigmentation long after acne has cleared. These scars often appear on the cheeks, forehead or jawline.
At Borciani London, acne scars can be treated with:
- Fractional CO₂ laser to resurface skin and stimulate new collagen.
- Chemical peels or PRX treatments to improve texture and reduce pigmentation.
- Vascular lasers to reduce redness (post-inflammatory erythema).
- Microneedling with polynucleotides to accelerate repair and improve elasticity.
Combining these approaches often delivers the best results, leading to smoother, clearer skin over time.
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars form when the skin produces too much collagen during healing, creating raised, smooth growths that extend beyond the original wound. They can be itchy or uncomfortable and often continue to thicken over time. Keloids are most common on the chest, shoulders, earlobes and in darker skin tones.
At Borciani London, treatment may involve:
- Cortisone injections or strips to flatten and soften keloids.
- Cryotherapy to reduce thickness and improve texture.
- Scar camouflage tattooing once the scar is stable, to blend colour differences.
Keloids can be resistant, but with persistence they can often be reduced in size and made less noticeable.
Burn Scars
Burn scars are often complex, as they can cover large areas and involve multiple issues such as pigmentation changes, uneven texture and skin tightness (contractures). They may appear shiny, raised or discoloured, and in some cases can restrict movement.
At Borciani London, we take a multi-step approach to treating burn scars:
- CO₂ laser to reduce thickness, soften tissue and improve movement.
- Microneedling with exosomes to support repair, hydration and faster healing.
- Camouflage tattooing to even out tone differences where needed.
- Cortisone therapy to break up fibrous areas and improve movement.
Burn scars usually require a series of treatments, but even modest improvements in texture and colour can significantly improve comfort and confidence.
What Results Can I Expect?
- Improvement: scars typically soften and blend by 40%–80%.
- Results vary: depending on scar severity, type and age.
- Healing timeline (CO₂):
- Day 1–7: redness and swelling.
- Week 1–2: ablative layer sheds.
- Month 1: new collagen forming.
- 3–6 months: final results visible.
Why Choose Borciani London
- Over 10 years’ experience in scar reduction.
- Specialists in self-harm scars, with a subsidised treatment programme.
- Extensive experience treating scars on all skin tones.
- Located in central Notting Hill, London.
Scar Treatment FAQs
How many scar treatment sessions will I need?
This depends on severity, scar type and age; most courses range from 3 to 8 sessions, with visible improvement after each visit.
Is CO₂ laser safe for darker skin?
It can be. We patch test and often pre-treat with melanin inhibitors to reduce pigmentation risk in Fitzpatrick IV, V and VI.
Does camouflage tattooing last forever?
Some pigment may remain permanently in the skin and it is very long-lasting. It’s a good idea to refresh the pigment every 3–5 years.
Can I combine scar treatments?
Absolutely. For example, CO₂ for texture plus camouflage tattooing for colour, or CO₂ with cortisone therapy for raised scars.
Will my scars disappear completely?
Complete removal is uncommon in severe scars; superficial scars can be almost undetectable, and most scars improve by 40–80%.
Do scar treatments hurt?
Treatments are generally well tolerated. CO₂ can feel hot, like sunburn, and topical numbing can be applied beforehand.
How often can I have a treatment?
CO₂ sessions are a minimum of 4 weeks apart to allow for healing, with no maximum time limit. We can plan around work, study and events.
How much does treatment cost?
Pricing depends on the number and size of scars. We offer a subsidisation scheme for self-harm scars; prices start from £300.
What is the downtime?
This depends on the treatment. CO₂ laser has around 7–10 days of redness. We cover downtime and aftercare during consultation and this can be reduced with post procedure products to reduce discomfort and speed up healing times
Are scar treatments safe?
These treatments are widely used and well tolerated. Some medications and medical conditions may prevent treatment, which we will discuss beforehand.
Which scar treatment is right for me?
The choice of scar treatments can be bewildering!
If you are unsure about which treatment will be best for you then please do get in touch with our practitioners who will be able to recommend the best option for you.
Alternatively you can book in a consultation with us, this session will allow us to understand your goals and answer any questions you have about the treatment and results.
Our aim is for this meeting to be informal and relaxed so that the best possible outcome can be achieved for you.
Skincare Products for Scars
The following products have been chosen to help with the redness, pigmentation and texture that often occur with scarring. We recommend the Anteage Home Kit and Cellderma GF5 for any very new scars to promote and accelerate healing.
